Rhiannon backing ‘ bludgers club’ outfit

A SOPHISTICATED “bludgers club” that coaches dole recipients how to fight being pushed into paid work is being financially backed by controversial Greens senator Lee Rhiannon.

And in a shock admission, Senator Rhiannon has said she wants the Australian Unemployed Workers Union ( AUWU) membership to increase, raising questions why a parliamentarian would want more jobless Australians to rebel against their mutual obligations to taxpayers.

The union, which is not registered and does not have charity status, has 6500 members across the country, hosts a detailed website and a “national advocacy phone” to advise welfare recipients of their “rights” when it comes to work- for- thedole and job searching.

Union president Owen Bennett advocates for the working week to be reduced to 35 hours, increasing Centrelink benefits to $ 517 a week and the abolition of the work- forthe- dole program.

Firebrand Senator Barry O’Sullivan yesterday slammed Senator Rhiannon for bankrolling the “bludgers club” saying she should be ashamed of herself for offending “fair- thinking Australians who want to support the genuinely unemployed”.

But Senator Rhiannon said the group was providing much- needed support and believed it should attract more members.

“I donated $ 300 to the AUWU as I support the important work they do,’’ Senator Rhiannon said.

“Considering the high levels of mismanagement by job agencies and the exploitation of workers when they do find a job, I hope this union gains more members and more support.”